Meridian Audio and Kia Corporation have entered into a partnership in which the companies say they will take in-car audio to another level with the brand new K8 modern sedan.
The car’s entertainment system will feature a purpose-designed 14-speaker surround sound system.
“We are thrilled that Meridian has been selected by Kia to engineer the audio system for the new K8 sports sedan. We are very proud to have won Kia’s business and to be able to be a part of their journey spearheading the popularisation of new mobility services and working to inspire consumers to explore the best ways of getting around,” comments John Buchanan, CEO of Meridian Audio.
“For the K8, Kia has focussed on delivering a luxury interior that is sophisticated, contemporary and technologically advanced. This matches Meridian’s focus to develop high performance audio systems that feature innovative technologies and have been designed into quality, user-friendly solutions within the vehicle.”
The K8 is the first vehicle within the Kia range to feature Meridian. The 14-speaker audio system has been engineered by the experts at Meridian and features several of the British audio pioneer’s proprietary DSP technologies. Meridian’s core sound philosophy has been integrated into the K8, allowing customers to enjoy natural, lifelike and authentic audio on the move.
“Our engineers are familiar with the challenges that in-car environments present and through our programme of continuous research, we have developed a number of new audio technologies that combine to provide exceptional in-car entertainment experiences,” adds Buchanan.
“Meridian worked very closely with Kia’s development teams to create a tailored audio system for the K8 which provides driver and passengers with a truly immersive, captivating listening experience.”
The K8 features Meridian Horizon, an upmixing technology which provides multi-channel audio from two-channel stereo content, as well as center image and ambience level controls for the user; and Meridian lntelli-Q Data-Driven Equalisation optimises audio playback within the cabin based on data available from the vehicle.
Meridian Digital Precision ensures all the finest details and emotions of the performance are delivered, regardless of the format used, and Meridian RE-Q Cabin Correction technology removes unwanted cabin resonances, preserving the natural rhythm and timing of the performance.
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